Whether you revel in it or loathe it, spring cleaning is most likely on your to-do list. To tackle everything from icky grime to those sources of suspicious scents, we’ve scouted all-natural DIY solutions that will get your home in tip-top shape for the season. First up: a glass cleaner that leaves windows and mirrors sparkling (sans chemicals).

DirectionsCombine all the ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray on a paper towel or a soft, clean cloth, then apply to glass. Take note: the solution may dry too quickly on a warm, sunny day, leaving behind streaks.

Crystal-clear windows? Just a spritz away.

By Susie Kostaras, Associate Content Editor

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Chocolate, dinner plans, wine: check, check, and check. In need of one last touch for Valentine’s Day? Look no further. This origami card design shows you’re both heartfelt and handy. Grab a square piece of paper (the fancier, the better) and follow these ten steps.

Summer humidity often results in frizzy locks, so I often opt for the never-fail ponytail during hot months. If you’re looking for fancier strands, however, turn to Blake Lively’s Met Gala tri-pony. (Amazing, right?) To re-create the look, just follow the simple steps from Rachael B., our hair and makeup artist, below.

So you have dressing like a NYFW pro down pat. But can you talk the talk? That’s essential. For a crash course in label pronunciation, take a look at the designer cheat sheet below. You’ll have Fashion Week’s must-know names mastered in no time.

Those delicate clusters you cuddle up in every night don’t require constant washing. In fact, it’s not good for them. Our advice? Use a duvet cover with your comforter and wash that weekly instead.

Then, about once a year, if you simply can’t make it to the dry cleaner, toss your down in a large-capacity washer. (If you don’t have one at home, head to your nearest laundromat.) For the rest? Follow these simple steps.

Wash

Place your down comforter in a large-capacity machine.

Set the cycle to delicate.

Add a small cupful of mild detergent – about half the recommended amount.

Rinse the load twice to ensure all the soap is out.

Dry

Place your just-washed comforter in a large-capacity dryer.

Toss a couple of tennis balls (clean, right-out-of-the-package ones) into the dryer. This will help separate the feathers.

Dry on low with cold-to-warm heat. Every so often, remove the comforter and shake it out. Even if it takes two or three hours, be patient. It is important to dry the feathers and clusters thoroughly to prevent mold.

Now that you’re fluent in the practice of down care, visit our Cuddledown Boutique on Monday, February 10, at 3PM ET.

By Julia Ivins, Staff Writer

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You don’t have to be a scientist to know that a proper night’s sleep is super important. But that doesn’t mean it’s always easy to achieve. So, we have a one-week challenge for you: go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day. Stick to this schedule and follow these tips. Then report back.

Headphones are my mode of survival on crowded T commutes – if I can ever find them in my oversized tote, that is. But this DIY is a game changer. Bright, easy to find, and tangle-free, this boho-chic headphone upgrade actually has me looking forward to that subway ride. Well… kind of.

Pit stains = awkward. If you argue with me on that one, I suggest you soak up some nice visuals courtesy of this BuzzFeed, then rethink your stance.

Now that you’re officially grossed out, let’s talk how to get rid of them. And yes, you can get rid of them – so long as you attack them while they’re, um… fresh.

What you’ll need:

Hydrogen peroxide

Baking soda

Water

A sweat-stained white tee

How to do it:

Combine equal parts hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and water in a small bowl.

Mix it all together so it forms a solution.

Rub the solution onto the tee’s stains, then let sit for 30 minutes.

Toss it in the washer as you would normally (choose cold water).

Once the cycle is finished, make sure the stain isn’t there. If it is, repeat steps 3 and 4.

Note: DO NOT throw the shirt in the dryer until the stain is gone. Heat will set the stain – which means sorry, thrice-washed sweat-stained white tee, but to the trash with you. If all else fails, though, you can always douse the stain with meat tenderizer. Yes, I’m serious. Directions here.

By Joanna Berliner, Editor

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